Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ROCKET LAB

You already know that Rocket Lab is a global leader in space launch. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we’re unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate.

Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we’re only just getting started! This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team. You will collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries, and reshaping what is possible – together.

PRINCIPAL FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s New Zealand headquarters in Auckland, the Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer is responsible for:

• Mission design,
• Trajectory analysis,
• Flight dynamics operations,
• Software development for mission analysis and flight dynamics suites.

You will join an operations team built around the 2022 CAPSTONE mission to the Moon. We have five spacecraft missions under our belt, with a diverse portfolio of challenging missions on the horizon for 2024/2025. There include three re-entry missions for Varda Space Industries, the ESCAPADE mission to Mars for NASA and UC Berkeley, the LOXSAT cyrogenic propellant storage experiment for NASA, the Lightning telecommunications constellation for GlobalStar, the the Victus Haze rapid response rendezvous and proximity operations mission for the USSF, and our privately funded interplanetary mission to Venus.

As a Flight Dynamics Operator (FIDO), you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver design, and collision avoidance as part of a dynamic operations team in the Mission Control Center with subject matter experts from Command & Control (C2), Space Ops Software (SOPS), Electrical, Environmental, and Consumables Manager (EECOM), Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC. You will need to solve complex problems, often under time critical conditions.

Beyond operations, you will support the development and testing of Rocket Lab’s next generation mission analysis and flight dynamic system software suites and strive towards the team’s development vision of efficiency and excellence through automation and cross-mission commonality. As a Principal Engineer, your duties will include:

• Contributing to strategy for short, medium and long-term development objectives,
• Coordinating development efforts across a team of flight dynamics engineers through Jira sprint planning, ownership of development milestones,
• Communication of interfaces, timelines, and blockers with other teams.

These software suites will both support our current missions, and will enable future LEO, cislunar, and interplanetary capabilities. At Rocket Lab we solve the hard problems, your decisions matter, and as a team, we will directly enable fast-paced, affordable space exploration and infrastructure.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
• An advanced understanding of orbital mechanics
• Orbit determination theory
• Mission analysis with STK, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent
• Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
• Python software development
• Git release and version control
• Jira software project management or equivalent
• Ability to work complex problems under time pressure
• Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skillS

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• 5+ years of work experience in mission design, flight dynamics
• Monte Carlo numerical simulation
• Continuous integration practices
• Team and/or software project management experience

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here